In Salem, Oregon the spirit of community thrives through the efforts of local organizations and volunteers. Leading the charge in fostering these connections are Ricki Decker and Hillary Warner, dedicated JustServe Specialists with JustServe Salem. With their passion and commitment, they are helping to bring people together to serve and support one another in meaningful ways.
Ricki Decker has been a JustServe Specialist for two and a half years. Reflecting on her journey, Ricki recalls the moment she realized the vast number of organizations working tirelessly for the good of others in her community. “When I first started, I made a list of all the organizations I could find in the area and came up with about 50,” she says. “Then, I met with a sweet woman from Habitat for Humanity who told me there were over 250 organizations. It was humbling and exciting to see how many people are dedicated to making a difference.”
Hillary Warner joined JustServe around the same time as Ricki, initially in an assisting role. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to make a tangible difference in her community. “I read a quote about a woman who realized she could make a big impact by serving locally,” Hillary shares. “That inspired me to get involved with JustServe. There are so many needs right here in Salem, and every activity I’ve been part of has expanded my heart.”
JustServe is an international organization that focuses on local service. It aims to build mutual understanding and friendships through side-by-side service. “Starting locally is where true change can happen,” Ricki explains. “As our hearts turn to one another and understanding and friendship increase, we naturally look out for one another, building a stronger community.”
To spread the word about JustServe in Salem, Ricki and Hillary use various strategies. They maintain an active social media presence with JustServe Salem on Instagram and Facebook, and they send out emails to those who have signed up. Hillary has been instrumental in connecting with schools and faith groups to promote JustServe. “We do a lot of face-to-face meetings, emails, and social media posts to tell people who we are and what we do,” Ricki says.
Organizations looking to list their volunteer opportunities can easily connect with JustServe Salem. “They can email us at [email protected] or call us,” Ricki explains. “We set up their organization and list their needs, all for free. We then start advertising to get volunteers.” The platform offers various filters to help volunteers find the right project, whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing need, something local or something for a specific group.
“If we all did just one thing to benefit our community, imagine what our community would be like,”
~RICKI DECKER
The impact of JustServe extends beyond just meeting immediate needs. Ricki and Hillary emphasize the benefits of service for mental health and self-esteem, especially for youth. “Studies have shown that being involved in your community and service helps with mental health, confidence, and self-esteem,” Ricki notes. “We had wonderful experiences with the AVID programs in the Salem-Keizer School District, and we hope to see more young people get involved.”
One of their recent initiatives, “Come Serve with Me,” invited moms and kids to the park for a day of shoveling mulch, playing, and enjoying popsicles. “It was fun and brought awareness to service opportunities for families,” Hillary recalls. They also create special catalogs during the year, like a Christmas catalog and a summer family-friendly activity guide, making it easy for people to find opportunities to serve.
Service benefits both the giver and the receiver, a theme that Ricki and Hillary emphasize. “I’ve been richly blessed by my participation, sometimes more so than the people I serve,” Ricki says. Hillary agrees, adding, “Service is extremely fulfilling and uplifting. It’s about everyone doing a little, not a couple of people doing a lot.”
“If we all did just one thing to benefit our community, imagine what our community would be like,” Ricki added. Hillary echoes this sentiment, saying, “It’s exciting to be part of something that brings so much good. We appreciate any opportunity to get the word out about JustServe.”
For those interested in making a difference, JustServe Salem is the perfect starting point. Visit https://www.justserve.org to find local volunteer opportunities and become part of the movement to build a stronger, more connected community.
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